help in buying lights for team photos in gym

[Emily Hudson]

I am a photo hobbyist with limited knowledge but who has been blessed with wonderful opportunities. I have been shooting some local youth sport league photos for the past year (a year ago I was the mom shooting my kids individual photos on the side on picture day and was asked if I would shoot team photos in the future when the sports photographer guy turned out to be a real grouch).

I have completed about 8 jobs now shooting with my Canon 40D with a 530 ex speedlite, almost entirely outdoors using my flash as fill. I am seriously considering purchasing a light/lights to give me the option of shooting in gyms and also to do portraits for the local daycare but don't really want to spend too much. (Less than $300).

Any suggestions on a specific lighting kit and minimum requirements I should keep in mind when shooting inside a gym? Do I need two lights or can I get away with one with a softbox for team photos (Not usually over 10 players in two groups of 5 lined up plus coaches)? What type of light output would I need?

I've considered the following lights:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/410660-REG/Impact_EX100AE_2KI_Two_Monolight_Kit_.html


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=429676&is=REG

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

[robsk8ter247]

One says it can not be used in the USA due to the voltage.

[J Rabin]

Humm. Invest your time before you invest your money. I would not buy either of those you highlight.
There are lots of readable resources, like:
http://www.photonomics.com/sub300.htm

I would start by buying one decent light and umbrella vs. two crappo lights. Let the revenue buy the 2nd light.
Since a 580 EX hotshoe flash, at max power, can output nearly equivalent to 90 w-s bounce power, those lights are not offering you much to shoot groups you do not already have, maybe 1/2 to 2/3 f/stop.
One good light with an umbrella can shoot from 1-4-6 people. Two lights needed when you get up to teams of 14 or so.

Brands? There are so many reliable brands, can't begin to recommend. Stick with something you know you can get service, and replacement parts conveniently.
While it is not a US Flash (I have no idea what country you are located), and I do not know about it's reliability and record, cheap kits like this which have the new generation of optical slaves capable of ignoring the digital pre-metering flash, will provide you unimaginable convenience, cost savings, ability to use with Canon hotshoe flash, and safe mobility around kids - NO PC Sync wire needed on location, no radio transmitter neeed, (as long as you are only person shooting).
http://www.adorama.com/PAINT119.html#ProductReviews
http://www.shutterbug.com/equipmentreviews/lighting_equipment/1007interfit/

Just an alternative idea, not a recommendation...

Jack

[tim]

What Jack said - get one of the recommend sub $300 lights, not the cheap lights you linked to. The ones you linked to are constant, you really want flash as they're much more powerful.